Brisbane jewelry artist Tiffany of Rare Indeed, creates whimsical illustrations that are wearable delights, the process, just like the art, indeed is rare. Each piece is hand drawn and colored onto shrink plastic before being cut out, baked and sealed with matte varnish.
Rare Indeed’s collection of hand drawn art work is quirky with paper planes and even a nod to the famous painting, The Son of Man, and sweet with cupcakes and hearts n’ arrows.
How fun is this brooch? A couple of years ago I saw a circus themed wedding and how cute would these be for the wedding party or Mother of Bride/Grooms.
Interview with Tiffany
1. When did you start your etsy shop?
I first started my etsy shop back in January of 2010, trying to sell a t-shirt that I’d designed and had printed. I only had one thing in my shop though so it wasn’t going so well!
It wasn’t until over a year later when I found out about shrink plastic online, bought a pack, and started making things. As I began making things for myself, I kept receiving compliments and comments from friends and strangers alike, so I figured I might as well put them in my etsy shop and see if people wanted to buy them. I studied as a graphic designer so fortunately I was able to create a logo for myself, as well as business cards and the like. I had my first etsy sale in August of 2011 and sales and interest have been increasing since then!
2. How would you describe your collection?
I would describe my collection of necklaces, earrings and brooches as fun, quirky and sometimes a bit silly and humorous. My aim has been to create jewellery that adds a bit of brightness and fun to an outfit, and that allows people to express something about themselves, whether it be a love for cupcakes, the circus, photography…
3. Describe a typical day in your life?
A typical weekday would involve me working on orders from my etsy shop in the afternoon after getting home from work, usually while watching my favourite TV shows (Doctor Who, yes please!). On the weekend a typical day might involve checking out the local op shops, doing a bit of sewing, thinking of ideas for new jewellery, photographing new items that I’ve made, as well as hanging out with my boyfriend James, going to the cinema, and every few weeks seeing my gorgeous twin nieces (recently 8 months old!).
4. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
In my spare time I like to sew clothes for myself, as well as check out the Brisbane op shops. It’s always fun hunting through thrift stores finding unique things to wear or alter to make something new! While sewing has taken a bit of a backseat lately with the success of Rare Indeed, I definitely still drool over the wide array of amazing fabrics on etsy.
5. What inspires you?
I am inspired by the creative process, of taking an idea or concept, a sketch in a notebook, and turning it into something real, whether it’s a new item for my store, a dress for myself to wear, an illustration, anything! It’s very satisfying to go from an idea of a new jewellery item, to then actually creating it, photographing it, and then finally putting it in my etsy store for other people to enjoy.
The great response that I’ve had from my jewellery has also been particularly inspiring and motivating for me to continue. It’s especially nice being able to fulfill custom requests from customers for special gifts or occasions. So far I’ve had some customers ask for unique jewellery for their weddings, so it’s quite cool knowing that something I’ve made is a part of their special day.
6. What is your favorite thing in your home?
Choosing one thing is pretty difficult as I must admit I do have a love for pretty things, whether it be clothes, art, books, jewellery and so on. I’ll be sneaky and choose the collection of postcards, photos, paper puppets and other art that I currently have adorning my bedroom wall, each item pegged along two nice long pieces of red and white twine that I’ve strung across my bedroom wall. I’m also particular fond of my ‘Animalario Universal’ book that I bought in Barcelona, a beautifully illustrated flip book with the pages divided into three where you mix and match the head, body and legs of different animals to create bizarre and hilarious combinations.
Tiffany’s inspiration strung on her wall:
and more snippets of her home and work space:
Rare Indeed Links:
